In an effort to ensure the health of Québecers, the province excels in four priority research areas:

-Aging

-The neurosciences and mental health

-Cancer

-Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases

In fact, in these areas, Québec researchers earn a substantial portion of the funds granted through the competitions of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) (see table below).

In the past five years, on average, Québec has earned 30% of CIHR funding (for all areas) even though it is home to only 23% of the population of Canada.

CIHR funding earned by Québec researchers (2009-2010)

Source : CIHR, March 2010

Québec's solid performance in these priority areas is also reflected in its scientific output.

In the following diagram, circle size represents the number of publications. In most areas, the research community in Québec (blue circles) posts a level of specialization that is higher than the world average (vertical grey arrow) and the average for the rest of Canada (grey circles). In addition, the quality of the work conducted in Québec (measured in average relative citations - MRC) surpasses the world level of excellence (horizontal grey arrow) and Canada’s performance.